continued...

In
spite of these results, many people choose not to get a flu vaccine. Some do not
get the vaccine because of
myths they believe about the flu or the vaccines. These include beliefs that the flu is a minor illness or that the vaccine causes the flu. The
shot may cause
side effects, such as soreness or fever, but they are usually
minor and do not last long. And a type of flu shot (Fluzone Intradermal) is available that uses a much smaller needle than a regular flu shot. It is injected into the skin instead of into a muscle. This usually causes less discomfort at the time of the shot. People 18 to 64 years old can get this shot. Most, but not all, types of flu vaccine contain a small amount of egg.

Although antiviral medicines sometimes prevent the flu,
they do not work in the same way as a yearly immunization and should not
replace a flu shot or dose of the nasal spray vaccine.

The person who gives the vaccine may tell your child or you not to get it if your child or you:

Have a severe allergy to eggs or any part of the vaccine.

Have had a serious reaction to a previous dose of flu vaccine.

Have had
Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Are sick. If you are ill and have a fever, wait until you're better before you get a flu vaccine.

Because the nasal spray vaccine is more expensive than a
flu shot, it may not be covered by your health insurance plan. Check with your
insurance company.

Almost every community has a program that offers flu vaccines at low cost
during the flu season. You also can get a flu vaccine during a
routine visit to a doctor or pharmacy. Many health clinics have set
hours at the start of the flu season for people to get flu vaccines without needing
to make an appointment.